Book reviews for July 2022

Eyes of the Void (The Final Architecture #2) by Adrian Tchaikovsky

2/5

Links for July 2022

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Friday, July 29, 2022.

Don’t Let Layoffs Undermine Your DEI Efforts

I find it very hard to take a tweet that contains 'Cameo Fameo' seriously as the only example of approaching layoffs with empathy.

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The Guardian profiles the "Tyre Extinguishers" – an international group that deflates tires of SUVs parked on streets

Move to West Virginia and evict Joe Manchin maybe?

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One O'clock Gun

By Robert Ellison.

Super slow motion video of the One O'clock Gun firing at Edinburgh Castle. This is a 105mm field gun fired startlingly over Edinburgh every day except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

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Sunset #10

By Robert Ellison.

Sunset from Harlech Beach in Wales, UK. A time lapse video.

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Snowdonia Milky Way Time Lapse

By Robert Ellison.

Completing a Llanbedr trilogy, a 4k timelapse of the Milky Way near Snowdonia National Park in Wales.

Snowdonia has a great reputation for dark skies. Unfortunately I'm only here around a full (super!) moon and in July when it's only dark for about 2 minutes. Given all that, some pretty impressive views after the moon sets. Shot over three nights on an A7C with the 20mm 1.8 G. Post processed in LRTimelapse and Lightroom.

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Meteor

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

SONY ILCE-7C 20mm f1.8 10.0s ISO1600

Meteor photographed looking South-West from Llanbedr in Wales. 10 second exposure.

The photograph, aptly titled "Meteor," captures a serene and expansive night sky, speckled with countless stars that sparkle like scattered diamonds across a canvas of deep navy blue. In the lower right quadrant, a brilliant meteor streaks diagonally across, leaving a trail of vibrant green and white light. This meteoric trail, cutting across the serene static of the stars, creates a sense of dynamic energy and movement within the stillness of the celestial backdrop. The meteor's glow adds a touch of magic and wonder, inviting the viewer to gaze upwards and imagine the mysteries beyond our world.

The composition of this photograph beautifully exemplifies the rule of thirds, with the meteor strategically placed on the lower right, guiding the eye naturally through the scene. The vastness of the starry sky is emphasized by the meteor's comparatively small but striking presence, creating a sense of depth and immensity. Technically, the photographer has expertly captured the meteor's fleeting brilliance against a backdrop of sharp, clear stars, balancing exposure to preserve detail across the image. However, while the meteor’s vivid colors add intrigue, some might find the wide expanse of space around it slightly too empty, potentially detracting from the focal impact. Nonetheless, this photograph elegantly depicts a celestial dance, blending tranquility with a fleeting burst of cosmic action.

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ISS over Wales

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Monday, January 20, 2025.

The International Space Station over Llanbedr in Wales. Three stacked ten second exposures.

Updated 2022-07-11 09:05:

Same garden in Llanbedr, same space station, different night.

The photograph titled "ISS over Wales" captures a mesmerizing nocturnal landscape where nature and technology elegantly intersect. The skyline is dominated by a glowing haze, likely created by the urban lights reflected on a tapestry of low-lying clouds, painting the sky in warm shades of amber and gold. Above this, the heavens unfold in a celestial spectacle, with stars twinkling softly against a deeper blue expanse. Tracing across the sky is a thin, luminous line, the International Space Station leaving its ephemeral trail, a testament to human ingenuity streaking through the vastness. The foreground is a silent silhouette of trees and shrubs, their dark forms adding depth and grounding the otherworldly upper canvas in earthly reality.

The composition employs a dynamic use of light and shadow, with the brightness of the sky subtly transitioning into the inky blackness of the silhouetted landscape. The photographer’s choice to include the arching trail of the ISS adds a unique focal point that guides the viewer’s eye upwards, creating a sense of movement and wonder. The use of a long exposure effectively captures the path of the ISS, blending motion within a static frame. This photo harmonizes natural and artificial elements, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. However, the intensity of the urban glow might distract slightly from the stars, competing for attention and somewhat diminishing their presence. Despite this, the image conveys a profound narrative of coexistence between human achievement and the timeless theatre of the night sky.

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Waterloo Sunsets

By Robert Ellison.

Timelapse of three sunsets over Waterloo Station in London. Shot over Pride Weekend 2022 - you can see a huge rainbow flag on one building and if you look closely the rainbow flashing in sequence on One Canada Square in Canary Wharf. Good views of the Shard and Boomerang and the best part of the Walkie Talkie.

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Changing of the Password

By Robert Ellison. Updated on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Changing of the Twitter password at Buckingham Palace today. Overheard: "Present... two numbers and one special character".

The photograph titled "Changing of the Password" captures a vibrant and ceremonious scene in front of a grand palace gate. A horse-mounted officer sits at the center on a sleek brown steed, seemingly orchestrating the renowned tradition. Surrounding the officer, a band of guards in striking red uniforms and iconic bearskin hats perform with instruments in hand. The ensemble is lively, their alignment precise under the blazing sun, with the majestic palace facade and intricate wrought iron gates forming an opulent backdrop. Observers, held behind metal barricades, watch intently, adding to the air of anticipation and tradition.

The image thrives on its structured composition, with a clear emphasis placed on symmetry and order. The central placement of the mounted officer creates a focal point from which the vibrant energy of the scene radiates outward. The lines of the gate and the surrounding architecture provide a regal frame that emphasizes the formal this ceremonial moment. What I appreciate about this photograph is its successful capture of a dynamic moment steeped in historical elegance, effectively employing color contrast between the vivid red uniforms and the muted architectural tones. However, while the image captures a rich tapestry of action and tradition, the presence of foreground barriers could detract from the overall aesthetic, creating a slight disconnect between the viewer and the enthralling spectacle.

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